Army Repels Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 63 Fighters in Borno

Nigerian military troops

Army Repels Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 63 Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops successfully repelled a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, killing at least 63 insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. The clash occurred at the 68 Battalion Main Defensive Area in Abadam Local Government Area early Wednesday.

According to the army, insurgents launched a pre-dawn attack with the intent of overrunning the military base. Troops responded decisively with heavy ground fire, air support, and defensive maneuvers, forcing the militants to retreat after sustaining significant casualties. The military has released video evidence showing lifeless bodies of insurgents, recovered weapons, and the aftermath of the failed attack, confirming the scale of losses inflicted on the terrorists.

While the army reported 63 insurgents neutralised, some sources suggest the number could be higher, with up to 80 militants, including commanders, killed in the operation. Officials also confirmed that troops are conducting follow-up operations to track fleeing insurgents, disrupt supply routes, and prevent regrouping.

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Mallam Fatori, a border town near Niger Republic, has become a hotspot for insurgent activity due to its strategic location. The attack comes amid a surge in violence across northeastern Nigeria, including multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, which killed over 20 civilians earlier this week. Boko Haram and ISWAP factions have intensified assaults on both military targets and civilian areas in recent months, making the region increasingly volatile.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin and protecting vulnerable communities. Officials stressed that security forces will continue to safeguard residents, strengthen intelligence operations, and prevent future attacks.

The conflict has displaced thousands of residents and strained local infrastructure, with analysts warning that insurgents may adapt to military tactics by increasing the use of drones and coordinated raids. Despite these challenges, the army’s decisive response demonstrates improved operational readiness and resilience in counter-terrorism efforts. Residents and security experts have lauded the troops for their professionalism and swift action, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance to prevent further insurgent incursions.